Melissa Gilbert has finally broken her silence following the release of her husband, Timothy Busfield, from custody.
The West Wing star, 68, was freed from the Metropolitan Detention Center in Albuquerque, New Mexico, after a week-long stay ahead of a trial involving child sex abuse allegations. Gilbert, 51, was visibly emotional in court, tearfully celebrating her husband’s release.
A Heartfelt Message to Fans
Gilbert shared a moving statement on her fashion brand’s social media page, expressing gratitude to fans for their support.
Accompanied by a reflective photo of her gazing into the distance, she wrote about the challenges her family has faced.
“I’m sending you all my love and gratitude during this extraordinarily difficult time,” she said.
“Not just for Tim, me, and our family, but for the weight so many of us seem to carry right now.”
She added that unexpected storms can make life feel overwhelming, and emphasized the importance of slowing down, prioritizing what matters, and taking moments to rest and reflect.
Gilbert concluded her post by thanking her community of supporters, writing that their love has helped her feel “safer, more grounded, and deeply held.”
She noted that she plans to “ease back into things thoughtfully and with care, moving forward one step at a time.”
Courtroom Emotions and Family Support
Busfield, who faces trial on serious charges, was released on January 20 on his own recognizance.
Gilbert has stood firmly by her husband since he turned himself in on January 13.
In court, she was joined by her mother, 89-year-old Barbara Cowan, her 30-year-old son Michael Boxleitner, and Busfield’s civil attorney, Larry Stein.
When the judge announced the release, Gilbert was seen clasping her hands and whispering, “Thank you, God,” overwhelmed with emotion.
Conditions of Release
Busfield’s release comes with strict conditions.
He may return home but must attend all court proceedings and report his whereabouts to the court.
He is prohibited from contacting the alleged victims or their families, cannot be alone with minors, and is barred from possessing firearms or consuming alcohol or drugs.
He remains under supervision from Albuquerque pretrial services.
The Charges Against Busfield
On January 13, Busfield was officially charged with two counts of criminal sexual contact of a minor under 13 and one count of child abuse.
The allegations involve two young twin boys who worked as child actors on Fox’s The Cleaning Lady, a show Busfield directed from 2022 to 2024.
Busfield has consistently denied all allegations.
In a video statement, he called the claims “all lies” and vowed to fight them with his legal team, insisting he will be exonerated.
A Wife’s Plea
Before the pretrial hearing, Gilbert wrote a heartfelt letter to the judge, expressing her unwavering support.
She described Busfield as her “love, my rock, my partner in business and life,” praising his humor, kindness, and moral integrity.
Gilbert admitted the process has been emotionally overwhelming.
“I only want this extraordinary man safe and whole,” she wrote, pleading for the court to protect her husband while acknowledging that she cannot do so herself at this moment.
The Emotional Toll
According to sources, the past week has been extremely stressful for Gilbert, who was concerned about her husband’s safety in jail.
The detention facility reportedly has a history of safety complaints, making her focus on securing his release even more urgent.
After Busfield’s release, his lawyer Larry Stein told People that the couple is relieved but still processing the shock and emotional strain, taking each day as it comes.
Moving Forward
As the legal process continues, Gilbert has vowed to navigate the coming weeks thoughtfully, leaning on her support network while standing beside her husband.
While the charges cast a heavy shadow, her message to fans reflects resilience, hope, and the desire to protect her family through this difficult chapter.
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